General Training Task 1 letter
IELTS General Training Letter: Asking to attend a training course
Question type: General Training Task 1: formal letter of request
The question
You have seen a training course that you think would help you in your job.
Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: - describe the course - explain how it would help you in your work - say what you need from the company
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ...
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How to approach it
- You know your manager, so use their name, but keep the language polite and professional.
- Link the course to the company's needs, not only your own.
- Be exact about what you are asking for: the cost, the days off, or both.
Sample letter
214 words (minimum 150). Written to show the features of a Band 8-level answer.
Dear Ms Bennett,
I am writing to ask whether the company would support me in attending a training course that I believe would benefit both my work and our department.
The course is called Practical Project Management and is run by Westbridge College. It lasts for six weeks and takes place every Thursday from nine until four, beginning on 14 May. It covers planning, budgeting and managing a team, and those who complete it receive a recognised certificate.
As you know, I have recently taken on responsibility for organising our client events, and the number of projects is growing. At present I am learning as I go, which is not always efficient. This course would teach me proven methods for setting timetables and controlling costs, so I could complete projects more quickly and with fewer mistakes. I would also be happy to share what I learn with the rest of the team.
The fee for the course is 480 pounds. I would be grateful if the company could cover this cost and allow me to be absent on the six Thursdays. I would of course make sure that my regular tasks are completed during the rest of the week.
Thank you for considering my request. I would be glad to discuss it with you at any time.
Yours sincerely,
Daniel Okafor
Useful language from this answer
- I am writing to ask whether…
- a polite opening for a request
- would benefit both … and …
- showing an advantage for two sides
- I would be grateful if the company could…
- making a formal request
- I would of course make sure that…
- reassuring the reader
- thank you for considering my request
- a polite closing line
Common mistakes with this question
- Only saying what you want and not how it helps the company. The second bullet asks for this.
- Being vague about what you need. State the cost and the time off.
- Using 'Yours faithfully' when you have used the person's name. With a name, write 'Yours sincerely'.
Now write your own answer
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This model answer was written by TestWise Prep to show the features of a high-scoring answer. It is not official IELTS material. Use it for ideas and language, not to memorise.